Tips for Packing School Lunches

Like most parents, I struggle more often than not when it comes to packing my kids school lunches. For one, they can be super picky, loving something one day and then hating it the next. And two, I always stress over whether my selections are healthy enough to get them through their day of learning.

Of course, there’s always the option of buying lunch at school. But after taking a peak at their school lunch menu, I really don’t blame them for opting out of that one. If the sheer name of some of the lunch choices doesn’t scare you, check out this slideshow of The Sad State of School Lunches in the US by Huffington Post.

Gross, right?

So in an attempt to keep my kids at least semi-healthy when it comes to lunch, but also keeping the process semi-easy for myself, I put together some tips and ideas to make your lunch packing life a little less hell-ish.

Let’s start with the basics, what in the world to pack? One of the most basic things that comes to mind would be a sandwich, right? Well, in our family, my son is allergic to peanuts and my daughter despises sandwiches of all kinds. So that definitely leaves out your standard PB&J. My son used to take tuna on bread, but he’s so over-tuna-ed that he literally refuses to touch it if I pack it anymore. Plus, I’m pretty sure that the fishy smell is so not cool amongst 3rd grade friends anymore. So what’s left? Keeley McGuire of keeleymcguire.com gives us 20 Non-Sandwich School Lunch Ideas to point us in the right direction.

Want to add a little flair and excitement in hopes that your offspring will actually eat what you pack? Try decorating the storage bags. On The Chive you can find 28 really cool examples of one Dad’s decorated ziploc bags that he packed in his kids lunchboxes. Try your hand at one of his designs or create a masterpiece of your own!

I’m a firm believer that organization is key. When I think ahead and organize I truly do find that a complicated or daunting situation can be made so much easier. That’s why I am a huge fan of Salt and Pepper Moms wonderful School Lunch Organization tips. The photos alone make you want to be a better lunch packer!

If you’re feeling really crafty and a touch overzealous, you could always create your very own School Lunch Station! This amazingly organized station by Uncommon Designs will have you packing lunches in not time flat and you might even enjoy the process! Wishful thinking?